Tile insert drains are a popular choice for good reason. They sit flush with the surrounding tile, virtually disappear into the floor, and give a bathroom or wet area a clean, considered finish. But there are a few decisions to make before you order, and getting them wrong means the drain won't fit, won't perform, or won't look right once the tiles are down.
Here's what to consider.
1. Profile Width -Match the Drain to the Space
The first decision is which profile width suits your project. At Strip Drains, we manufacture tile insert drains in four standard stainless steel profiles:
- 70mm x 24mm - a narrower profile suited to smaller shower areas or where a more discreet drain is preferred
- 97mm x 25mm - our most commonly specified profile, suited to standard residential shower installations
- 115mm x 25mm - a wider profile that handles higher water flow, suited to larger shower areas or walk-in wet rooms
- 100mm x 40mm - a deeper profile designed specifically for thicker tiles, available in 12-14mm and 20mm tile tray options
As a general guide, a larger shower floor benefits from a wider profile drain. A narrow drain in a large wet room will struggle to keep up with water volume. If you're unsure, the 97mm profile is the reliable middle ground for most standard installations.
2. Tile Thickness - This Is the One People Miss
This is the detail that catches people out most often. A tile insert drain works by recessing a tile into the grate tray, which means the tray depth has to match your tile thickness. If it doesn't, the tile will either sit proud of the surrounding floor or sit too low, and neither looks right.
Our standard tile insert trays suit tiles up to 12mm thick. The 100mm x 40mm profile is available with a deeper tray for tiles up to 14mm, and we also manufacture a specific tray for 20mm tiles.
If you're using a thicker stone tile or a 20mm pavers-style tile in a wet area, make sure you specify accordingly. We can also fabricate tile insert trays for non-standard tile thicknesses on request.
3. Length - Custom Cut to Your Exact Requirement
We don't sell tile insert drains in fixed standard lengths. Every drain is manufactured to order, which means you specify the length you need and that's what you get.
Our tile insert drains can be manufactured up to 3000mm as a continuous run. For longer installations, joins can be accommodated, but it's worth discussing your specific layout with us before ordering.
Measure your channel space carefully before you submit an order. The drain needs to fit within the channel without modification on site, cutting stainless steel on site is not recommended and can compromise the finish and the weld integrity.
4. Outlet Position - Centre or Offset
The outlet is where the water exits the drain body and connects to your plumbing. You have two options: centred or offset.
A centred outlet sits in the middle of the drain length. An offset outlet is positioned toward one end, which is useful when your waste pipe location doesn't align with the centre of the drain run.
Confirm your waste pipe location with your plumber before you order. The recommended outlet tube size is 80mm diameter x 50mm length, and our drains are manufactured to comply with the 80mm minimum outlet requirement.
5. Material - Stainless Steel or Brass
The majority of tile insert drains we manufacture are in 316L marine-grade stainless steel. It's the right choice for almost every application, showers, wet rooms, pool surrounds, balconies,because it handles moisture, cleaning chemicals, and salt air without corroding or staining over time.
We also manufacture tile insert drains in brass for projects where the warm tone of brass suits the design intent. Brass is a premium finish choice and is highly corrosion-resistant. If your tapware and fittings are brass or brushed gold, a brass tile insert drain ties the space together neatly.
6. Finish - Electropolished or Powder Coated
Our standard stainless steel tile insert drains are electropolished, which adds an additional layer of corrosion protection and gives a clean, consistent finish. All exposed edges are polished to a 600 grit finish.
If your project calls for a specific colour, we also manufacture powder coated tile insert drains. Matte black is a popular choice for contemporary bathroom fitouts. Custom colours are available on request.
Not Sure? We Can Help You Spec It
If you've read through this and you're still not sure which combination of profile, tile thickness, length, and outlet position is right for your project, get in touch. You'll be dealing directly with the people who make the drains, and we'll make sure you order the right drain the first time.
View our full range of tile insert drains or submit a custom order enquiry and we'll come back to you quickly.